Christyn Breckenridge on Building 3rd Eye View Eyewear and Community Impact

The Genesis of 3rd Eye View

• 💡 Eyewear is described as a favorite accessory, capable of elevating a simple outfit and acting as a personal style statement.
• 🚀 The founder, Christyn Breckenridge, transitioned from a career in sales and property management to entrepreneurship after being laid off and witnessing her father's glaucoma diagnosis.
• 🎯 This personal experience highlighted a gap in proactive eye care awareness, contrasting it with routine physical health checkups.

Mission and Business Model

• ✨ 3rd Eye View is a community-based eyewear brand focused on providing affordable and fashionable frames.
• 🤝 The brand's mission, "small accessory big impact," extends beyond selling glasses to offering vital information and resources on eye health.
• 🌍 The business model incorporates partnerships with local nonprofits to provide accessible eye exams and contact fittings.

Entrepreneurial Journey and Community Engagement

• 🛠️ Breckenridge embraced workshops and trade shows to learn the intricacies of running her own business.
• 🎪 Early efforts involved extensive physical popup shops, selling from her car trunk and participating in various fairs and award shows to connect with customers.
• ❤️ The most rewarding aspect of the business is the impact made on people's lives and the positive change created within the community.

Partnerships and Future Vision

• 🤝 A pivotal moment was the partnership with the St. Hope Foundation, initiated through a conversation at a popup shop, which helped raise awareness about eye conditions and available support.
• 🌟 Breckenridge emphasizes the importance of perseverance, encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to hold onto their vision and chip away at it every day.